American Sports Cars: Chevy Corvette Convertibles

Most gear heads would agree the Chevy Corvette is the most superior of any American sports car. In fact, since Chevrolet debuted their Chevy Corvette in 1953, it has been referred to as The American sports car. Through the years the Chevy Corvette has provided drivers with a powerful car as well as a stylish design. Chevrolet has also been working out the many kinks of the Chevy Corvette throughout the years as well. Today, Chevrolet manufactures their Chevy Corvettes in Bowling Green, Kentucky, which also home to the National Chevy Corvette Museum.
The C4 models of the Chevy Corvette were made from 1984 through 1996. This model of the American sports car was praised for its sleek and superior, aerodynamic design. In 1990, the C4 Chevy Corvette was offered with a powerful 250 horsepower engine. Perhaps the most memorable of the C4 Chevy Corvette models was the ZR1. The Chevy Corvette ZR1 was commonly referred to as the, “super car,” which was probably due to the incredibly powerful engine with 375 horsepower. However, the C4 models of the Chevy Corvette were widely criticized. Drivers were less than impressed this Chevy Corvette’s version in regards to its confined cockpit and the difficulty experienced when getting in and out of the car.
From 1997 through 2004, Chevrolet offered drivers its new and improved American sports car with the C5 Chevy Corvette. This American sports car was offered as either a 6-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transition. The power of the C5 Chevy Corvette can be seen with its untouchable speed. The C5 Chevy Corvette is an American sports car that is able to go from to 60 miles per hour in under 5 seconds. In addition, this American sports car has a maximum speed of 175 miles per hour. In 1998, topless car lovers were introduced to the convertible C5 Chevy Corvette. The C5 series of Chevrolet’s Corvette was praised for being the perfect American sports car for everyday driving.
In 2005, Chevrolet released the first of the C6 series of the Chevy Corvette. Many car enthusiasts claim Chevrolet perfected their American sports car with the C6 series of the Chevy Corvette. The C6 is able to go from to 60 miles per hour in under 5 seconds, with a maximum speed of 180 miles per hour. Chevrolet offers their standard American sports car with the following features: 6.0 liter, 400 horsepower, a V8 engine and either a 6-speed manual or 6 speed automatic transmission. The C6 Chevy Corvette is also available as a convertible. The C6 series has been praised as the American sports car with a roomy cockpit, incredible performance, precise handling and unlike the C5 Chevy Corvette the C6 offers an ergonomically friendly design. However, this American sports car has also received criticism for its smaller cup holders, less than impressive interior materials and larger steering wheel. Even the American sports car is not perfect.
So for those looking for an American sports car with comparable power and design to foreign sports cars, the Chevy Corvette may be the best choice. The Chevy Corvette is one of the most beloved American sports cars available for its powerful engine, sleek styles and beautiful convertible models.


Sources:
“Chevrolet Corvette.” Wikipedia. 9 July 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Corvette
"Chevrolet Corvette Review." Edmunds.com. 9 July 2007. http://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/corvette/review.h tml
DeLorenzo, Matt. “2005 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible.” Road & Track. 9 July 2007. http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id =3&article_id=1458&print_page=y